An open letter issued by the American Catholic Bishops Conference which seeks legal restrictions on abortion and contraception has been condemned as "Orwellian" by the Catholics for Choice organisation.

Over three-quarters of Americans (77%) say religion is losing its influence on American life, while 20% say religion's influence is increasing. These represent Americans' most negative evaluations of the impact of religion since 1970, although similar to the views measured in recent years.

President Barack Obama has issued an executive order extending the Faith-Based Advisory Council without addressing employment discrimination among many of the faith-based organisations that receive federal funding through the programme.